Emergency Assistance

Overview

Families who are experiencing a financial emergency may be eligible for financial help to pay for housing and utilities.

Families that meet the following criteria may be eligible for Emergency Assistance:

• The family must have a child who lives with a relative as defined for Work First Family Assistance and who meets the age limit for Work First cash assistance.
• Total income must be at or below 200% of poverty level.
• Family's statement is acceptable for citizenship and identity unless it is questionable. If in doubt, request appropriate verification.

Counties may set requirements that are more restrictive than these, but not requirements that are more lenient. Other assistance programs are available through Work First.

Low-Income Energy Assistance Program

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a Federally-funded program that provides a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Only households containing an elderly person age 60 and above or a disabled person receiving services through the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) are eligible to potentially receive benefits from December 1st through December 31st or until funds are exhausted.

Any household can potentially receive benefits from January 1st through March 31st or until funds are exhausted.

A household that applies must:

• Have at least one U.S. citizen or non-citizen who meets the eligibility criteria
• Meet an income test
• Have reserves at or below $2,250
• Be responsible for its heating bills

Energy Assistance is important to all that receive it, but more so if someone in your home may especially be at risk for a life-threatening illness or death if their home is too cold in the winter.

In addition to the LIEAP program, we also offer assistance through our Crisis Intervention Program. For more information on the Crisis Intervention Program please visit our Crisis Intervention Program page.